|
welcome back to your desk
We are having a "green" theme this edition for 3 reasons. Firstly, as a memorial to all the Christmas trees that have now been packed away. Secondly, in honour of our very successful bushwalking adventure led by Duncan Chessell last November. Thirdly, as we are embarking on a campaign to make each and every website we produce carbon neutral. That's right, every website will result in enough subsequent tree planting to make it "green"! This is being arranged through ' Carbon Planet' and more information will be released in the coming months. We feel it's a positive way to start the new year.
All Deadline staff members are now back at work after a break over the festive season. Personally, I enjoyed some time off in Queensland. Highlights were spending time with friends, seeing my daughter's look of wonder during the SpongeBob show at Dreamworld, and relaxing in the day spa at The Hyatt.
Now I'm ready for a big 2009 with lots of exciting projects to launch. Before I know it I'll be putting the Christmas tree up again.
A word on what's ahead for Deadline from our Managing Director, Sean Heylen:"As a downturn in the Australian economy looms, I'm regularly asked two questions by clients, suppliers and friends alike "How will all this affect your business?" and "What will you do if the work dries up?". So I suppose it makes sense to respond in this forum. I don't know for sure how Deadline Media will be affected, but I do know that we have not noticed any significant decline in enquiries for our services over the last 3 months. This maybe because things have not flowed on here in our local economy properly yet, or they are not going to, or it could be that our services are now regarded as an essential part of the strategic marketing mix where once they were seen as "nice to have". No matter what, it is well known that organisations able to maintain their strategic marketing efforts during tough times are the ones that come out the other side ready for strong growth when things turn for the better. Also, now that the web is a proven performer as an efficient sales, marketing and communications channel and operational tool, I think it is possible that our sector will be relatively insulated from severe budget cuts.
Given the above, I think it is highly unlikely that "the work will dry up" as such. More likely is that excellent customer service, reliability, value for money and professionalism will be sought after. Deadline Media will do it's best to provide this and the only way to do that is to maintain our staffing levels and continue to invest in professional development and business infrastructure. I think it is likely that some of the less well run outfits in our industry will struggle and become no longer viable. When that happens, their clients will need someone to look after them. This represents an opportunity for solid and stable organisations with good fundamentals such as good internal systems and low debt, like Deadline Media.
We are not forecasting growth over the next 12 months, but equally we will not make decisions based on fear or general market negativity that is beaten up by the mass media. Good managers tend to make decisions based on facts, not feelings, and the fact is that right now our clients need us to stay solid and provide quality services. So, that is what we plan to do."
|